Russian police have arrested five more people on suspicion of assaulting police officers at opposition protests this summer, marking a new wave of trials in the so-called “Moscow case.”
Russians took to the streets nearly every weekend this summer after a slew of opposition politicians were barred from taking part in Moscow’s local election. The rallies, which grew into the biggest sustained protest movement in the Russian capital in years, saw thousands briefly detained and dozens arrested on criminal charges.
The “Moscow case” has sparked strong public outcry, with critics calling the prosecutions unjustified and decrying what they say are disproportionately harsh prison sentences.
All five defendants face up to five years in prison on charges of violence against police during the unauthorized opposition protest on July 27.
The Investigative Committee announced that the defendants’ trials will start on Wednesday.
Here’s what we know about those arrested:
Andrei Barshai, 21, accused of pushing a National Guard officer. Barshai is a third-year Moscow Aviation Institute student.
Vladimir Emelyanov, 27, accused of grabbing a police officer’s uniform. Emelyanov is an orphan who works as a merchandiser and lives with his 74-year-old grandmother and 94-year-old great-grandmother.
Yegor Lesnykh, 34, accused of kicking a police officer. Lesnykh is an interior decorator, straight-edger and antifascist.
Maxim Martintsov, 27, accused of assaulting a police officer. Martintsov works in a laboratory and lives in Moscow.
Aleksandr Mylnikov, 32, accused of assaulting a National Guard officer. Mylnikov allegedly knocked National Guard officer down and together with Martintsov kicked him.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
